Long distance cycling

64 Votes here (click stars to vote)

The definition of 'long distance' for you or for me or for someone else will always be completely different.

If you talk to a non-cyclist, 20 miles sounds like a long ride, but for an enthusiastic club member 100 miles might be a long ride.There are cyclists who regularly cycle much greater distances than this (Tour de France stages are often 140 miles or more).

For the sake of this article I'm thinking that a ride of four or more hours in the saddle is long, five or six is very long. Few of us have the time to ride for more than five hours in one session very often, even if we are physically able.

The intensity at which you cycle a long way is also important. Cycling a 'century' (100 miles) with a group of enthusiasts at 20 miles per hour is not the same as covering the same distance oevr the course of a day, stopping to take photos and have lunch etc. The first is not necessarily harder, but is certainly different.

As with all cycling, the key is to aim for steady progress in the run up to your long ride. If you usually cycle 25 miles maximum, you will find it very hard (probably impossible) to maintain anything like the same speed for 75 miles.

A significant part of the challenge, apart from leg fatigue, is that the sheer act of staying in the same position for such a long time is not easy. Aches and pains in your neck and back are common. So key to the whole practice is remembering to stretch, sit upright, cycle short distances standing (off the saddle) at regular intervals - ideally before the pain sets in. Regular arm rotations and shoulder stretching work wonders for avoiding the pain. Move your head from side to side and round and round. When cycling in a group I usually wait until I'm at the back of the group before adopting these ridiculous poses and stretches to avoid looking daft!

Over and beyond the normal challenges of training - strength, cadence, hill-climbing etc. - long distance cycling has the big extra feature that the training really consists of spending a long time cycling. The only good training for cycling a long way is to cycle a long way!

This is harder to fit in to a weekly schedule than most forms of training. Most of us can find an hour for an intensive training session, or a couple of hours for a decent hilly circuit, but regularly fitting in five hour rides as well is, well, time-consuming.

In reality it is very hard to increase distances covered by more than about 5-10% a week without suffering from overtraining or from injury. Second, as a one off you can usually manage about 25-30% more than your 'normal'. So if you plan to do a long ride, say 75 miles, in August (sponsored ride, charity ride, cycling holiday...) then you are aiming to be used to cycling 60 miles when the time arrives. Counting backwards this suggests that four weeks before that you should be happy cycling 45 miles, and eight weks before you should be confident at outings of 35 miles.

So you can see it is never too early to start planning! This will be much easier if you have cycled significant distances in earlier years, because your muscles and posture will adapt more quickly. If it your first time on a bike and you've just been cajoled into a long charity ride in a few months time - get training now!

Two of the major considerations for cycling a long distance are liquid and food. Carry at least two bottles of water - and still you will need to find more water, especially in hot weather. For food, typically your body only stocks enough 'fuel' for 1.5-2 hours of effort, and you will use perhaps 750 calories per hour (all numbers extremely variable, it's the principle that counts!) so you will need to carry or have access to sufficient resources to fill the gap - gels, energy drinks, dried fruits and a whole range of products are available. You will need them. Do not attempt to cycle for hours without food, your energy resources will run out and you will 'bonk' - lose all force - and soon be unable to continue.

Overall.

Cycling a long distance is challenging, but with a little bit of planning, and a lot of hours in the saddle, in no time at all you will be casually mentioning to people that you just cycled 80 miles, and enjoyed it into the bargain!

102 Comments

Simon makes this comment

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Thanks for the info. I'm looking to do 110km at the end of May and had no idea how much to traing to over the coming months. This gives me a sense of the task ahead!

Better make sure I take more food than I had imagined as well.

Cheers

Simon
Arthur makes this comment

Sunday, 28 March 2010

I am cycling round the coast of Scotland (1300 miles in 15 days)in July to raise money for Christian Aid. I got into training 3 weeks ago and worked up to 100 miles a couple of days ago. I didn't cycle the next day as I was at work but felt ok.
I will need to average 88 miles a day for the event in July.
Any hints on how to train for this? Are shorter (25 mile) fast runs beneficial as well as endurance training?

Cheers

Arthur.
Crazy Chris makes this comment

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Hi, we are a group of students from Edinburgh planning to cycle round Scotland. We worked out a route that is about 700 miles long. We are hoping to complete this in under 2 weeks. The problem is we have no real cycling experience and haven't started training yet. Is this an unrealistic challenge to attempt in the middle of May..one and a half months away!?

Cheers,

Crazy Chris and the Biking Boyth
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Arthur, I'd love to be able to help but I've never done lots of long back-to-back days like that myself. Assuming speed is irrelevant I think that you should be fine as long as you have done a similar distance a few times in the weeks precedingt the ride. The key wil be to pace yourself, taking it easy as often as possible and not killing yourself on the hills.
Good luck with it!
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Chris, same as the answer before, best advice is to take it very easy as often as possible. It's still going to be tough though - are you all fit sporty types or more beer and fags? It's going to make a big difference - a while ago I saw a heavy smoker set off enthusiastically and quit after a few miles. But assuming you're all quite fit and can motivate each other a bit I reckon it's possible - people on cycling holidays older than you often do 40 miles a day with no previous training.
I'd start training soon though, at least to get a bit used to it else your feet, backsides and backs might all be 'a bit sore'
Good luck for you as well!
Llyr makes this comment

Saturday, 01 May 2010

Me and 4 other friends are planning to cycle 200 miles in two days, (hopefully 10 hours or less a day) I was wondering whether I should buy a road bike or hybrid sports bike as it will be along a cycle path rather than roads, any tips? Thanks
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 02 May 2010

If part of the route is on un-tarmaced surfaces I would definitely use a hybrid bike - some cycle paths are very well maintained and smooth, even tarmaced, but pretty often they are more gritty and gravelly which will be tough going with a narrow tyre road bike. In any event it will be more comfortable if speed isn't an issue and you are new to long distance cycling.
200 miles in two days for someone without a bike is quite a challenge, although 10 miles an hour makes it sound OK...I hope there's not too many mountains along the way!
mrpmac makes this comment

Sunday, 09 May 2010

Hi... i am biking by myself around the county of lincolnshire in august which is about 250 miles. I am hopin to cover this in 3/4 days. What sort of distance should i be covering in training for this... many thx
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 10 May 2010

I guess you have no speed requirement ie your goal is to complete 60-80 miles a day, however long it takes.
If so, I think 'time in the saddle' training is what you need simply to get used to riding a bike for, say, 5-6 hours a day. I would think if you can happily cycle 40-50 miles usually you should be fine, and you'd probably get away with a bit less - ideally on the same type of terrain as you will be covering (ie if there are lots of rolling hills, get used to lots of rolling hills...). I'd also try and do one or two rides (not straight before, at least a week or two before the main ride) of the same length as you will be covering each day - probaby not crucial but it will be a good sign that you are ready.
Good luck with it, fingers crossed for good weather!
Mark makes this comment

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Hi,

I ride 12 mile each way to work - every day and have done for over a year. So I put 120 miles a week, but I never really do rides much longer than 12 miles. I wondered if this would translate to being able ride 100 miles. I assumed it wouldn't.
Then I had a go, and found that I finished with a bit to spare. Obvioulsy then it is possible to do long distances without doing long distances in training, if you put the miles in that is

Mark
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Thanks for sharing that Mark, I must admit I would have thought it was an impossible challenge without doing some mid-distance rides first. I'm pleased to be proven wrong!
Steve makes this comment

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

I'm in the same position as Mark - daily commuting and the possibility of a long distance ride looming.. (similar distances for both)
I will try to get the training miles in but am enough of a realist to know that famly life will get in the way of that to a certain extent.
Great article!
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 20 May 2010

Well of course, you need to strike a balance: cycling comes first, then family, then work in a distant 3rd place
Thanks for dropping in and have a good ride!
Phil makes this comment

Sunday, 23 May 2010

I've (very recently) bought a road bike to start training for a 1,000 mile ride into Europe next year for charity. After only a couple of rides my backside is saddle sore. I'm sure I can't be the only one who has suffered in this way (perhaps I have a boney bum) but it's stopping me training at the moment. Any suggestions?
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 23 May 2010

Phil, the first few rides can be painful but you should adjust quite quickly. Are you wearing proper padded cycling shorts? They make a very big difference.
There's no such thing as a bum that's too bony (I think!) but there are some saddles that just simply don't suit a particular person - your bike shop likely has a couple of saddles you could borrow to see if that is the problem.
Some people also use gel covers for their saddles (two of the people I ride with regularly use them) but usually I think getting a saddle that is a good fit is more effective, but it is worth considering if all else fails.
Lawrence makes this comment

Tuesday, 01 June 2010

I'm 50 and have been a regular cyclist for most of my life. When I was 16 I cycled to Cornwall and back from Durham with no specific training, no proper gear and no idea about nutrition! Even so, carrying full camping gear we still averaged about 90 miles/day, (riding all day, it has to be said!)

More recently, (2007), I did a solo 1000 mile camping tour in France and averaged 66 miles/day.

My advice to all of those people planning long rides is to get used to being in the saddle for several hours a day.

Use your gears to maximum effect. Avoid pushing hard in any gear as that is what kills your legs. When climbing, change down sooner and don't change up until you really are at the top. Don't push any harder than necessary. Even long climbs, in the right gear, needn't take much out of you. You just need to be patient.

Save energy whenever possible. If the bikes wants to freewheel, let it!

If you have no time constraints, then you have all day to do your 60, 80 or 100 miles. Figure on averaging around 10mph. Conservation of energy is key. LG.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 01 June 2010

Great advice Lawrence, thanks for sharing. I especially like the point about not pushing in any gear - definitely good advice.
LEE O'SULLIVAN makes this comment

Friday, 18 June 2010

I am looking at completing a 100 mile bike ride for the charity Help for Heroes in September, so i have 3 months in which to train. i am currently deployed in Helmand, Afghanistan until September so all of my training will have to be on the Spinning Bike. I have a good level of fitness from mountain biking & running, just not sure how to structure the training. Do i follow a similar approach of short rides during the week then a "long ride" once a week?
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 18 June 2010

Short answer - yes, that would be ideal. Personally I find it quite hard (ie boring) doing more than about an hour indoors, so prefer to do an hour with quite intense intervals and very rarely do longer but if that's the only choice available it should work very well. Good luck with the charity ride.
Fred H makes this comment

Sunday, 20 June 2010

Signed up for a 900 mile in 10 days trip through Scotland, Ireland,Wales and England in September. Currently up to 60 mile single trips with variable lengths on top each week, would I need to increase the training distances, difficult,to cover the daily 90 mile average ? Biggest problem so far is my bum !! A little worried about repeating the distances again and again over 10 days, over 50 and should know better !

Cheers

Fred
Jamie makes this comment

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

I do long distance rides in the style of the Paris-Brest-Paris. In the UK these are known as "Audax" rides. The rides are typically 200,300,400 or 600km. They must be completed in a time limit but are not a race. There is an extensive calendar of events all over the world in this format.

The ultimate route is the Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km which is run every 3 years. The standard time limit for the "Touriste" group is 90 hours. The population of Northern France turns out en masse in the middle of the night to cheer on the worlds oldest cycling event.

For more info on the "Audax" style of long distance riding please see my blog

Link Text
Robert makes this comment

Friday, 25 June 2010

Great Blog. Stumbled upon while I was searching for training tips for my first long distance ride. I commute to work in bike regularly averaging 12 - 13 miles a day am planning to do a fund raising ride for an orphanage housing children affected by AIDS in Chennai,India. The ride will be from Cambridge to London which is around 60 miles.

So far 4 weeks into training and Your site has really encouraged me and gave me some great tips and I have 9 more weeks to train and have included most of your tips and other visitor's tips as well.

Thanks for great effort you have put in here...
Cheers
Rob
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 25 June 2010

Hi Rob, thanks for your kind comments and good luck with your charity ride, I'm sure it'll be a great day out
Martin makes this comment

Monday, 28 June 2010

So glad I stumbled on this site. I have been cycling for a couple of years now and like to take myself off for a couple of hours at the weekend. Recently did the london to brighton and I'm now eager to cycle from Brighton to Bournemouth which is about 100 miles. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, don't really have the time to train that kind of distance and want to complete it in a day.
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 28 June 2010

I reckon if you did London - Brighton OK and get out every week you should be OK. Read the advice from Lawrence a few posts above - using your energy carefully and pacing yourself is the key to success.
GeoSpectrum makes this comment

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Lee, let us know how you get on. As a keen road cyclist returning to the sport I might be able to offer some advice along the way. I also have an intrest in Help For Heros as I work for a unit that trains people before they head out to your location.I'm in Stavanger Norway. Keep spinning!
Wardy makes this comment

Thursday, 01 July 2010

I did Lands End to John O'Groats without ever having cycled more than 40 miles a day. The first few days ended up being 70 mile, 80 mile, and then 102 miles, and whilst it killed me, you be amazed what your body can do if you're willing to stick at it. Currently planning a 130 mile ride next week and i don't really do more than 30mile a week at the moment. Mind you, not certain I can actually make that one...
Robin makes this comment

Sunday, 11 July 2010

For the past 15 months I've been commuting a 32 mile round trip, 3 days a week. My problem is, I commute Mon/Wed/Fri as I find trying to ride consecutive days causes too many aches and pains in my legs, I feel I need the day off inbetween rides. My commute has a few steep climbs and I average 1 hour each way with an average heart rate of 150 bpm (and it's always windy around Aberdeen), I feel I'm pushing it quite hard. I really want to comute 5 days but never been able to get over the aches and pains. Am I maybe pushing it too hard ?. It's in my nature to push it to increase fitness, but is this the wrong way to approach it ?. I am reasonably fit and spot on (if slightly below) my ideal weight.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Hi Robin, I wouldn't of though 5 days a week would be a problem after 15 months of doing the same route - are you sure your bike is the right size for you and setup properly? Do you use a really hard gear and grind up the hills? An easier gear, pedalling faster, with a smoother action causes less leg strain.
It does sound like you might be pushing too hard as well - have you tried taking it just slightly easier and then see how you feel the next day?
Warren makes this comment

Saturday, 17 July 2010

This blog has been quite a help, but I just want some more advice. In May 2011, I am planning on cycling across Europe - from my hometown of Reading, to the Vatican City (via Eastern Europe), covering about 3,500 - 4,000 miles. I have previous fitness through the running of half marathons etc etc. During this trip, I hope to avoid any 'mountains' but would like some advice on what sort of bike I should buy (I am willing to pay up to about £700) and any good websites for route planning. What training schedule do you think I should undertake - I have already restarted running to rebuild up my core fitness. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Warren
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 18 July 2010

Hi Warren, I would guess you need some kind of 'cross' or 'hybrid' bike with the advantages of a strong light frame but bigger tyres and more focus on comfort, reliability and luggage carrying than a road bike. Unfortunately I don't know much about the best types of touring bike so can't recommend a particular model.
Re training, I think just spending quite a bit of time on the bike will be the most important thing, to get used to spending a long time in the saddle, rather than worrying about speed or high power.
david cross makes this comment

Monday, 19 July 2010

after completing a 65 mile bike ride (manchester-blackpool) a couple of weeks ago i must admit it was hard work but considering it was on a mountain bike i dont think this is a surprise, i am now investing in a roadbike for the manchester 100mile event i am expecting this to be a lot easier due to owning a roadbike, i have a good level of fitness i do circuit training 3 times a week along with spinning, i suffered from cramp last time i did the bike ride, but put that down to lack of snacks and electrolite drinks, can u give me any of advice for the 100.

regards dave
Lawrie Jones makes this comment

Tuesday, 20 July 2010

Hi, I just did 124 miles in 2 days up and down some serious inclines to get me ready for a 100 mile trip round the Brecon Beacons. I've got good core fitness from triathlon training, and I'm happy to say that the distance was difficult but the mental aspect is the biggest challenge. I drank 1.5 litres of fluid every couple of hours and chomped trough some serious flapjacks!

I'm doing over 200 miles per week in the run up to the event as well as swimming and running the odd 10k, so I'd hope this was ample training. What do you think?
Admin makes this comment

Thursday, 22 July 2010

David, Lawrie, sounds like you are both doing a good job already so there's not a lot of extra advice I can give.
David, you don't say how much you cycle apart from these long events, a road bike will make a difference but 100 miles is still a long way on a road bike if you don't often spend a long time cycling.
Craig g makes this comment

Friday, 23 July 2010

Hi, would really appreciate some advice please, we are putting a team together to do the JOGLE next year for cancer charities. The team is made up of experienced cyclists , current runners / fitness and a general sportsman (Me!. The concern I have is that the organiser wants to do it in circa 8 days which averages out about 110-120 miles a day. I am concerned that I will not have the time to get enough training in to do that level of daily mileage? How many miles a day do you think is achievable for something like this and is there any specific training that could help? Also what would be the best bike to get? many thanks
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 25 July 2010

I think 120 miles a day for 8 days will be quite challenging if you haven't cycled much before, but a year should be plenty of time. I'd focus on longer rides rather than speed (presumably the 110 miles a day can be at quite a slow average speed?) to get your legs used to pedalling so far and get the rest of you (back, bum etc) used to it.
You need to at least be comfortable cycling 75 miles in a day without being completely done-in the next day a few weeks before the event, but I can't guess how much training time you might take to reach that level!
liam makes this comment

Sunday, 25 July 2010

I'm very keen on audaxing and strongly recommend a visit to their website for details of small informal events all over the UK most weekends. It's at www.audax.net.uk

To do an audax you don't need mudguards or luggage racks despite what you get told in quite a few places. Nor do you have to eat flapjack!

I have started blogging a little about some of the rides I have done over the years at http://soatrab.wordpress.com/ and I hope people find it encouraging that you neither have to be a incredibly fit or very rich to get a lot of fun out of long distance riding. It's all between the ears

Liam
Leanne makes this comment

Monday, 26 July 2010

hello, i am also hoping to do the JOGLE next year, i cycled alot until last year when i stopped due to ilness, im just about to start training again, aiming to go next July/August and need some bike advice, as i have no idea what to look for. im hoping to do it in 10 days, averaging 90 miles a day and any tips and advice would be welcome,
thanks
Simon makes this comment

Monday, 26 July 2010

How do you get the calories in when cycling 100 miles a day? It seems you need about 30 calories/mile, so 3,000 plus say another 2,000 or more for basic metabolism makes 5,000 - that's a lot of pasta!

I'm thinking of doing a solo ride from London to Gibraltar (c 1500 miles), so this kind of issue is high on my mind. French and Spanish cafes might not be fully conversant with the exceptional nutritional needs of the high-mileage cyclist.
Terry Miller makes this comment

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

JUST THINK THESE TOP TIP'S WILL HELP A LOT,THIS COMING FRIDAY I WILL CYCLE FROM PURLEY TO JUST OUTSIDE BOURNEMOUTH APPOX 90 MILE'S ,I CYCLE ALL YEAR TO WORK,SO WILL PACE MYSELF,HAS BEEN GREAT ADVICE!
THANKS TERRY
Lawrie Jones makes this comment

Monday, 09 August 2010

Hi, I just like to say that the advice on this page has been excellent and helped me through my 100 mile ride in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday August 8.

The mental challenge was by far the most stressful thing, it seems when adequately fuelled, your body can go on and on.

On to the next 100 miler!
Kate makes this comment

Monday, 16 August 2010

I've recently signed up to do a 400km ride across Kenya in February 2012. I've not riden a bike for about 15 years (I'm 2, I'm very unfit, trying to stop smoking and about 3 stones over weight. I'm going to use the training to speed up my weight loss. I've only done a couple of very short rides as I've not got my bike set up perfectly (my friend should be sorting it out in the next few days, he's a very experienced cyclist) We will be averaging 50 miles per day in Kenya with quite a lot of hills. I live in a hilly area so I can practice hills quite easily. I've found this website to be great, loads of advice. I just wanted to say thanks I'm a bit worried about the distance involved and the training I'll have to put in but it's all part of the challenge I suppose. Do you think 18 months is long enough to train, baring in mind I'm not fit at all? I'm going to start swimming soon and try spinning when my fitness levels get higher. Thanks again for all your tips x
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 16 August 2010

Hi Kate, sure, 18 months is plenty of time to get ready. Kudos to you for signing up to do something for a great cause, now the only challenge is to stick at the training. Even a short distance is very hard when you start but that passes pretty quickly, and if you can lose a bit of weight as well and cut down / quit smoking it will be even better. (I'm guessing that smoking is discouraged on a 'Women against Cancer' ride so that should help as well.)
400km in 5 days is quite a bit, but not too much, and you'll have no problems if you can just get out once or twice a week from now until then.
Jon makes this comment

Sunday, 22 August 2010

I used to cycle a lot 15 years or so ago, but priorities change as life develops and I hardly ever touched a bike since. However 5 weeks ago I decided to go for a ride on my sons mountain bike (He's 18 so it is the right size for me). It was 10 miles and took me an hour. I have stuck at it and am riding 40-50 mile hilly rides, and upto 60+ relatively flat rides now all on road. However the bike is a mountain bike with offroad tyres, front suspension etc and heavy. I have an old road bike I am in the process of getting back on the road. How much do you think the distances would translate from the mountain bike to road bike? I know I will find out myself when I go and do it, but want to have some indication of what I will be looking at.
One thing I will definitely be doing is taking the saddle from the mountain bike as I can quite happily spend 5+ hours on that now!
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Jon, its a long time since I rode a mountain bike so far on the road so it's hard to give a very accurate figure.
On hills your power/weight ratio is important so if your new bike is 5kg less you will increase this by about 5% (weight=bike weight+rider weight), which should translate into a small increase in speed.
Someone told me that changing from a steel road bike to a carbon fibre road bike increased their speeds by 10%, but the same change for me only increased averages by a couple of %.
So overall - I'd expect improvements but wouldn't like to guess how big they might be. A 'finger in the air' guesstimate makes me think I could cycle 25% further and 10% faster on a road bike than on my old mountain bike but as I haven't tried I might be way off!
Lawrie makes this comment

Monday, 20 September 2010

Hi, as you might have seen I followed the advice here and I have now done a few 100 mile rides. All have been completed pretty well, but slowly!

How would you recommend moving up to the next level and doing them a bit faster?

Be good to get some advice! I don't have much time to train with other people, so train alone...
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Hi Lawrie, sounds like you need to find out about interval training - having short periods of your ride where you push yourself pretty hard (usually as part of a ride lasting an hour or so, not a 100 mile ride). For example, a few sections of 2 minutes each where you make as much effort as you can separated by gaps of 2 minutes of recovery cycling. Intervals come in all degrees from 10 seconds of supreme effort to 5 minutes of moderately hard effort, but the principle is the same - pushing yourself more than you otherwise would. Should work wonders for your speed.
But cycling 100 miles fast is never going to be easy!
Mark makes this comment

Friday, 24 September 2010

I have recently been doing 80 miles in under six hours for training rides - I'm looking to increase that to double that distance, sticking at a similar average. What are some good ways of training that aren't too time-consuming other than actually riding the distance?
Mark L makes this comment

Saturday, 25 September 2010

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the entries above!
Just to add a little more encouragement to those of you aiming to do your first long ride . . .
Inspired by a friend and cycling in his memory, I went from never having cycled more than 15 miles in one go in February this year to joining 77 other like-minded enthusiasts in May for London to Paris (300 miles) in 4 days(100 / 80 / 65 / 55).
It can be done, even by an overweight 47 year old who had done no serious exercise for almost 30 years . . . I just followed a training plan from the organisers with gym work or hour sessions on the bike 3 times a week and distance rides each weekend building up from 30 to 40 to 50 miles until I was follwing a 60 with a 40 on the same weekend and then a memorable 95 mile yomp from Birmingham to Worcester, Evesham, Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth and back to Brum.
The 300 miles in 4 days L2P was just fantastic, culminating in an emotional parade through central Paris with Parisians and tourists applauding . . . just such good fun and all for wonderful causes.
Seriously, if I can do it, almost anyone must be able to!
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Mark, thanks for sharing your story, that's a great achievement to motivate all of us!
robert clow makes this comment

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

hi, i am planning to cycle across australia starting next march, has anybody done any long distance, please getin touch,or anybody fancy a ride, 1 year
Angus makes this comment

Friday, 05 November 2010

Hi everyone, there is a really good web resource for looking at long distance riding it is www.ultracycling.com/siteindex.html The site deals with distances from 100m to 3500m ie the Race Across America. I used this extensively to train for my Race Across America qualifier- 517 miles which I completed in just 39hours. But in short I reckon there are just 3 main tips:

1/ Long distance riding is far more about the mind than the fitness- be mentally strong.

2/ Get a good road bike and set it up for comfort not speed. Any initial time gains you get from being extra aero will be quickly lost once you can no longer hold the position! Comfy saddle, shoes and handle bar set at a good height.

3/ Get a good fuel plan. For me I used just energy drink for the whole 39 hours and felt great at the end of it. Hammer nutrition is a favourite amongst long distance riders but my personal choice is from Infinite Nutrition- you can customise the drink in terms of amount of carbs/protein(v important in rides over 2hrs)/electrolyte/flavour strength. Check out infinitenutrition.eu or hammernutrition.com

Before anyone asks, as I am a soldier, I have absolutely no commercial interests in these products just an interest in seeing long distance riding gaining popularity.
Chris makes this comment

Sunday, 12 December 2010

Hi... training for a charity cycle ride thats along Leeds to Liverpool canal (127 miles) in a day. furthest I've rode before is 30 miles. I've 6mths to train, any advice on training, food, etc.... aiming for 15hrs including 3 scheduled stops, average 13mph.
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 12 December 2010

Hi Chris, it's a long way but being along a canal presumably means it's pretty much flat and canals are usually a bit protected from the wind as well. Six months should be plenty of time to prepare, as long as you can get out once or twice a week and just slowly go for longer rides until you're doing about 80-90 miles quite comfortably. Focus on pacing yourself - getting used to saving energy for later on in a long ride (especially not going mad up hills or going too fast early on)
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 12 December 2010

PS Angus's comment above yours is sensible - set your bike up for comfort not speed
Duncan makes this comment

Monday, 17 January 2011

Thank you for a brilliant website with some brilliant advice.
In June I'll be riding from Portsmouth to Paris on the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride. I've been a keen single track rider, family permitting, for 10 years. I've started training for this ride and regularly ride 40 miles on my mountain bike. Just the thought of doing 350 miles in five days on it makes me ache. So, I need to get a new bike but don't know what to get... Do I get a road, hybrid, tourer, all of the above? Please help. If you can't help with advice, please help this fantastic charity by sponsoring me to do this ride.
Many thanks. Keep up the good work.
Dunc
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 17 January 2011

Hi Duncan, if the whole route is on roads I'd certainly go for a road bike, but if sometimes it's on tracks I'd thing about a hybrid / cyclo-cross bike. Certainly I wouldn't be keen on doing it on a heavy mountain bike. If you are fine doing 40 miles on a mountain bike I think 70 miles on a road bike should be fine.
Best of luck with the challenge!
Mick makes this comment

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

HI,
I am doing the St Bees - Robin Hoods Bay C2C later this year but I am having real trouble in planning the route. All of the sites I have tried using to plot the route before loading it into a GPS just do not seem to like me!! Is there a site where you can begin plotting a route, save it (incase something crops up and you have to leave it for a while) then continue to edit it/save it/edit etc until you are happy with the final result.
I have found a few routes that have already been plotted but they involve cycle tracks and I want the route to be completely road based.
Please please please can anyone help
Will makes this comment

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

hi,

firstly, great site! i am currently planning with friends to do a charity ride of up to 120 miles. we are aiming for there to be about 6 of us, with varying levels of fitness and experience. any tips on how we should arrange the convoy and how we get the best out of everyone? since reading this site today i have or will tell the lads to get training on longer distances!

will.
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Hi Will, main suggestion is to get used to riding with each other and riding smoothly and steadily i.e. no sudden braking or swerving, then get used to riding close one behind the other - about 20cm wheel to wheel is good but you need to be sure the person in front isn't go to do anything unexpected...working as a team saves tons of energy.
The person at the front leads for a while then pulls out slightly so the other 5 can move ahead and they join the back - so everyone takes their turn at the front (the hardest bit) and everyone gets a rest by cycling behind. Less strong riders just spend less time at the front.
It works great when you get it worked out and your mates will love cycling longer without you having to hassle them...
Steve C makes this comment

Monday, 31 January 2011

Hi,
Found some useful stuff here. Im planning to do a circuit of scotland in the summer (june). There are two bikes i can use, i have a road bike and a cube hybrid bike with front suspension. Im looking to pack a 1 man tent what would be the best bike to take. Im leaning towards taking the road bike since im more used to using it. Im not looking to camp out everynite alternate nights at the very most.
Tom Broadhurst makes this comment

Monday, 21 February 2011

Hi, im planning on doing a long distance cycle from Essex to South France next summer and was wondering what the best type of bike to use? I'm planning on getting a road bike.....is this recommended?
Admin makes this comment

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Tom, Yes, I would use a road bike, but they aren't always ideal for carrying lots of luggage. Check the one you get is quite sturdy, comfortable for long distances, and can carry paniers etc.
DBS makes this comment

Tuesday, 01 March 2011

Some of the training tips I have read are very usefull so a big thanks I am cycling the Christian aid team Poverty event In July , its 300 miles over 4 days . I know its going to be a challenge because I work overseas so no option but to train on a gym excercise bike , time is limited in the UK ,So realistically I will be able to get a couple of 40 mile rides in April on the road , Last year I cycled from my cottage in Brittany to St Malo which was around 110 km It took a fair bit of time ( 5kg back pack was in hindsight a mistake ) So were the two punctures in Lamballe in the middle of the night in the pouring rain !! ....flatspots didnt help I made the Portsmouth ferry Just . First I need to lose some weight @ 98kg 45 years old very muscular build , target weight ( realistic ) will be 83kg . Planning daily 2hr sessions on the gym bike , Any other tips would be apreciated
David makes this comment

Tuesday, 01 March 2011

How much weight loss is effective for long distance cycling , I unfortunatly am a very muscular build thighs like "reg harris: and at 45 starting the slippery slope to middle age spread , currently 98kg 24% BMI according to scales , attempting to get down to 83kg , how much improvement could I expect with this weight loss and does a very light weight carbon bike make a big difference over a steel bike for say a 80 mile cycle ride , thanks
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 02 March 2011

Sounds like the best plan if you can't get out on the road, although staying interested for 2 hours a day on a gym bike might be a challenge - I have a TV in front of mine for when it's raining that helps a bit. I'd also try and have specific targets each day re intervals, hills, sprintes etc to add a bit of interest. I'm no diet expert (my problem is keeping weight on) but I think losing 15kg in 4 months is a pretty big challenge as well, perhaps almost impossible! I'd check with experts on nutrition and diet before setting impractical targets that you'll be disappointed not to meet.
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 02 March 2011

...and losing 15kg of body weight will make much more difference than a carbon fibre bike, which is great to have but noy at all essential. Difference of 5% perhaps in overall speed based on my own experiences.
Mimcycle makes this comment

Sunday, 06 March 2011

I am planning to cycle from London to Liverpool at the beginning of this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK. I cycle everyday but only about 10 miles a day. I am planning to average about 60 miles a day stopping in Oxford, Pershore and Shrewsbury. I am about to start training but I have no idea how fit I need to be for this sort of cycle. I'm assuming, after reading many of the comments, that this won't be too hard and that 60 miles a day is pretty reasonable. What do you think?
ian makes this comment

Tuesday, 08 March 2011

Hi, i am planning a large cycle solo trip in sept this year. Im following Hannibals route to Italy which starts in Cartagena southern spain, into france, over the alps, down into milan and right down past rome. The total distance is about 2700km. I have a posible 4 weeks to complete it allowing breaks inbetween.
Im starting my training now as i havent cycled for many years but im resonably fit.

Do you recomend that i alter my target km per day as not to exhaust myself? And how much spare equipment should i be taking with me.
Ill be camping all the way so i will be taking this equipment too.....
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 09 March 2011

Mimcycle, 60 miles a day is reasonable, but it's still quite a long way, and without training at all would be pretty tough - but you have plenty of time to slowly build up to 40-50 mile rides between now and then so sure you'll be OK.
Ian, your challenge sounds pretty tough. Assuming 1 in 4 days is a rest day you are looking at 125 km/day, and that includes mountains and carrying luggage. Possible but pretty challenging, I'd certainly be training a lot between now and then!
Liz makes this comment

Friday, 25 March 2011

I am cycling 1500 miles aling the eurovelo6 cycle route from the black sea back to France. I am reasonably fit, but will be travelling for 3 months prior to having a 2 week gap for properly training for the ride. Any advice or tips about a training schedule would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 28 March 2011

Hi Liz, my only advice is to not overdo it in those 2 weeks, just take longish gentle rides, otherwise I think if you try too hard in that period you'll likely strain something and make the whole ride very difficult
Liz makes this comment

Thursday, 31 March 2011

Thanks, thats great I will try not to overdo it in those two weeks! Does anyone have any experience with the kind of budget we would need, we are planning to camp as much as possible so any advice on camping would be great too! Was also wondering what it is best thing to do about getting maps for the route?
Justin makes this comment

Saturday, 02 April 2011

I am planning a cycling holiday in southwest England for the end of April. I am a very fit person and workout daily (cardio and weight training), but I am not a seasoned cyclist. I am up for a challenge and was thinking of riding about 60 miles per day on my holiday. Do you think that this would be too much? I should also mention that I do not really have time constraints and will be stopping for pictures, food, and such along the way.
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 03 April 2011

Hi Justin, I think you will be fine but 60 miles a day is quite a lot, even when cycling slowly with rest breaks etc, if you do no cycling at all at the moment. Hills get tiring after a while even at slow speeds when you're not used to it and there are quite a few hills in the south-west.
I'd certainly try and get a few decent rides in first to get your legs and backside used to it or you might lose some of the enjoyment of the trip - you'll find it uses different muscles than your gym training.
Methodius makes this comment

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

I'd say I am more of a hill-climber, regularly climbing a local mountain with about 70 meters per kilometer height difference, about 10 miles long route to the top. How would that translate into flat-riding distance?
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

That's a long hill, 7% for 16km!
it's hard to compare with riding on the flat because they use different strengths - the reason climbers tend to be quite light (where power/kg is important), while riders on the flat are bigger and more powerful (outright power is more important, along with being aerodynamic). So it depends a lot on your build, and also on your cycling technique up the hill.
Why not take a day off from your mountain and go somewhere flat to find out, I'm sure you'l find it a pleasant change - then let us know!
Natalie makes this comment

Monday, 02 May 2011

I was hoping someone could give me a bit of advice. I am seriously contemplating signing up for a 400km cycle ride for charity across Kenya.
I am fairly fit but mainly running. I used to cycle 10miles to and from work for 4 days so about 80miles per week.
I have also recently done a bit of mountain biking but found the hills fairly tricky to cycle up. I still cycle pretty much everyday but mostly short distances with the weekends bumping up to about 35km a day.
I am a little worried that I am going to find it quite tricky as in Kenya with the weather quite hot I will have to cycle 80-100km per day. Maybe I should sign up for something easier first.
what advice could you give me?
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 02 May 2011

Hi Natalie, you don't mention how long it is until the ride.
Assuming it is a little while yet, if you are already OK doing 35km and that isn't over-exhausting you then I think you are well on track to doing the necessary distances.
depending how long it is until the ride, I'd try and get out at least once a week, twice if possible, on rides of 50-65km, slowly incresing further if time permits.
For someone reasonably fit and happy cycling 60km, managing 80-100km a day should be fine (assuming its a ride not a race).
Natalie makes this comment

Monday, 02 May 2011

Whoops- silly me!
the ride is in February, so I just need to get out and increase my distances at the weekend.
Thank you i am definatley feeling much more confident in my abilities to complete the ride (not race!)
Michael makes this comment

Monday, 30 May 2011

Hi guys,

I need some advice. I am a beginner to longish rides and I intend to enter a 100km charity ride in September that is hilly in many sections. I have an excellent 700c hybrid bike (FELT QX80) with switchable front suspension. It has HALO dual tyres that are fast on road. Would this bike be suitable for this type of ride rather than a road bike?

Thank you
Michael
Admin makes this comment

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

100km on hilly terrain is quite long but will be fine on your bike - if it was a race against the clock I would give a different answer, but since you're not trying to save every minute possible there is no need for a road bike if you are happy with and enjoy riding your own bike
John Adrian Short makes this comment

Monday, 20 June 2011

To anyone younger than 43,45 and 47 yrs old, i hope this may give you some motivation.To verify this story i can be found on facebook. I rode an unplanned 3500 kms from Faro in Portugal with no money at 43. The enthusiasm i felt afterwards compelled me to do a return journey at 45- 3389kms/94 miles/day and again this year around the west coast to the same destination- 2700kms The story behind these trips are simple. Too late in life i discovered cycling but had bundles of persistence for years. Distance is mainly in the mind. John Adrian Short.
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 20 June 2011

Great story, thanks for sharing John
I found one of your journeys at http://hubpages.com/hub/Bins-Benches-Broken-Bikes-journeys-2007-2011 which was an inspiring read thanks
jerry makes this comment

Saturday, 25 June 2011

In reply Methodius Tuesday, 12 April 2011
As an ex fell runner and now an Audax cyclist (ankle!!). I found over distances up to 20 miles flat distance my running times were 7m 42s per mile (700' per min) and 100' per min - net effect is 1' up equals 7' along the flat. Therefore you are looking at the time to run 13 miles (flat + climb).
Your figures may be different just get 2 different distance/height routes note the time and then determine time for a unit distance and unit height using simultaneous equations.
I find bike rides up to 75k (say 47 miles), over undulating terrain, can be done at 25 to 30km per hr rate (say 17 miles per hr) so bike speed is just over 2x running speed.
This should give you an approximate time to cover the 13 miles although over such a short distance you might expect to push the bike speed up to 3x running rate.
Hope that helped
Jimmy two shoes makes this comment

Friday, 22 July 2011

As for cycling round Scotland, neither 1,300 miles or 700 miles cut the mustard.
It is at least a 1,700 mile ride and that is on roads.
Steve makes this comment

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Hi all im steve and have been riding around bedfordshire for about 6 months.
Im 49 and while not qualified to give advice on a long ride, will say buy a bike computer.
I used mine to find a comfortable sustainable speed, it makes a lot of difference.
Without it i used to find myself going 2 fast and getting both hot and sweaty and out of breath.
I will also say this wear a high vis jacket+ invest in some good lights.
Safety is a very important isue while riding a bike, be seen be safe.
Jason Parker makes this comment

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Hello All,
I am doing a Halifax to Blackpool to Halifax sponsored bike ride on Saturday 24th September 2011. This is to raise money that will help the Shaw Park Restoration Group restore this beautiful victorian park near Halifax.
The total mileage is about 130 miles and I am aiming to do this in 12 hours or less (although the sponsor is for the mileage and not the time) having read the posts on here I would just like to say that the advice is great, I have 2 bikes, a newish mountain bike with front suspenson only and a 20 year old Peugeot road bike, I plan to do the ride on my road bike and I hoping to average around 15 mph, there are loads of hills near Halifax as we live on the pennines so just practicing riding up and down all these hills and there are loads of cercular routes that can knock up 20, 30, 40, 50 miles.
The biggest thing for me is actually getting the bike out and start riding and using little excuses NOT to go out but al lthe comments on here have now given me more determination, so thank you very much for all the posts
Jason
Pedro makes this comment

Sunday, 21 August 2011

Hello,

my friends and I are looking to do a 180 mile charity ride over three days, so around 60 miles per day on flat countryside. We are aiming to do this sometime in April next year.

At the moment we are training by upping our mileage on each or every other weekend, and currently acheive 45 miles on a weekend, without too much discomfort afterwards. Average time in the saddle is around 3 - 3.5hours, though there is usually a good long stop for lunch halfway through!

We are of differing ability and fitness at the moment, though when the time comes I expect we will be a lot closer to each other.

I was wondering whether during training and the event we need to apply team rules, and keep close to each other and help each other out at all, considering the person at the back is by no means as fast or as fit as the person at the front. Should we all maintain a constant 'decent' speed, or just go as fast as each individual can in an effort to improve as much as possible?

Also, we were wondering about what to eat during lunch breaks. Obviously something that's light else the afternoon ride will be a lot slower than the morning! Can you recommend any good food stuffs that can help?

Many thanks
Pedro
Admin makes this comment

Monday, 22 August 2011

Hi Pedro, personally I would keep working as a team with the strongest member taking longer turns at the front. As well as being faster overall it will also be more fun!
If the front person is much stronger and getting bored they can always try cycling with one leg or going up a hill faster then going back to the bottom and trying to catch up again...
I would also be inclined to have a decent breakfast and then not eat another proper meal until the ride was finished (cycling, say, 9.30-1.30). i'm not sure how easy it will be to get started again after stopping for lunch...if you are keen to stop, then like you say I'd eat something light. take a look at the comments under cycling food for a few ideas.
Peter Dunn makes this comment

Saturday, 03 September 2011

Hi All

I am looking to cycle from Newcastle to the south of Spain. I am a fit person who runs pretty much every day, and goes bike riding occasionally. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any people who has done something similar? I am looking to do it around may next year so I still have a lot of training to come, I will be doing this for charity and know it is going to be very difficult so any advise would be great.

Thanks
Peter
Luke makes this comment

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Hi,
I am 12, and find this advice useful (see article), but for me I found it too late. This is because I cycled 100 miles for charity on Saturday 10th September. The last time I did it, I did about 75 miles. I was not very worn out after the 100 miles, but I hated the first half, when we did the hills. It is a great achievement I think, and would like to share it. I also have 1 tip, TAKE WATER! I only had 1 750ml bottle, and had to fill up 3+ times!
Luke
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 16 September 2011

Hi Luke, great achievement! How long did it take?
I'm a bit surprised a charity accept a 12 year old on a 100 miles charity ride but glad to hear it all went well for you
Luke makes this comment

Friday, 16 September 2011

It took about 10 hours (9 and 1/2 on the saddle). They accept any age, and you can do any distance.
Russ Young makes this comment

Saturday, 24 September 2011

Hi

I am riding from London to Paris with fellow Amputees on the 30th September and wish I had found this page earlier. We are cycling 200 miles in 3 days for Limbpower thanks for the advice I have the added bonus of being diabetic so the advice about the dried fruit was brilliant. Can you recommend anything else that wont sit heavy on your stomach apart from energy gels/drinks Thanks
Carl makes this comment

Saturday, 29 October 2011

A team of us are cycling from Gretna to Wigan in a day (120 miles) our training is around 70-80 miles a day does anyone know if that will cover us for the overall distance??
Admin makes this comment

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Hi Karl, i think if you can comfortably cycle 80 miles then 120 miles will be OK as a one off (as long as the terrain is similar ie not much hillier)
colin veitch makes this comment

Tuesday, 01 November 2011

Hi, After a cancer operation in 2009 i got the all clear, so decided to take up cycling at the age of 55. I was given an aged claud butler, 21 speed hard tail mountain bike (as if i kneww what that was) which i have been up to a distance of 25 miles on.No real hard hills just steady uphill stages which i managed to handle quite well. However, now have a basic road bike purchased from halfords (carrera virtuoso 16 speed) which is a completely different animal. I had a break prior to buying it and feel as though im back to square one. Tryed a large hill but had to stop 1/4 of the way up!!!! Any tips on training? I live on a hill so have to master them or fein injury pushing it home!!!! hahahaha cheers, Colin
Alison makes this comment

Wednesday, 02 November 2011

Jason, I'm also thinking of a Blackpool-Halifax cycle, do you have a route map/planner please?

Thanks
Admin makes this comment

Friday, 04 November 2011

Hi Colin, take a look at the suggestions and comments at cycling up hills
Peter makes this comment

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Hi I am 62 years old and not very fit although I have had previous cycling experience, abeit 20 years ago when I did several London to Brighton rides, 100 miles around Norfolk and 270 miles in 3 days to Paris.

This year I lost two friends both under 60 years old one to a brain tumour and one to a lung disease pulmanary fibrosis.

This has cajoled me into buying a carbon fibre road bike and to undertake a marathon ride for charity from London to South of France crossing the Massif Central Mountains. The trip is with a biking holiday company so luggage is transported between overnight rests.

The official ride starts in Portsmouth but I plan to ride from London to Portsmouth the day before.

The ride is next August and I am dreading it. I have done so far since buying the bike 3 x 40 mile rides and one 60 mile ride. I found those quite tiring and have all the usual problems associated with long distance cycling........ aching knees, lower back pain and shoulder pain.

Would appreciate any help and advice to help me conquer this ride and especially my lack of stamina on hills. Does anyone have experience road cycling in the Cevennes Mountains which is the part of the trip I am really not looking forward to? The thought of all these climbs and hot weather is making me a bit aprehensive
Admin makes this comment

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

I've cycled in the Massif Central - the part I was in the hills were typically 6-10 kilometres long at about 6-8%. Tough but do-able as long as you take things easy from the beginning, and have had some practice on hills.
Of course, it's quite difficult practicing for long hills if you live somewhere flat or undulating...
Most cycling holidays don't pressure you with speed or have very long days, so I'm sure if you get a reasonable amount of practice between now and Augiust you'll have no problem.